WO2023200609A1 - Plasma pour hydrocarbure gazeux et liquides conducteurs pour la synthèse et la transformation de matériau et de produit chimique - Google Patents

Plasma pour hydrocarbure gazeux et liquides conducteurs pour la synthèse et la transformation de matériau et de produit chimique Download PDF

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WO2023200609A1
WO2023200609A1 PCT/US2023/017074 US2023017074W WO2023200609A1 WO 2023200609 A1 WO2023200609 A1 WO 2023200609A1 US 2023017074 W US2023017074 W US 2023017074W WO 2023200609 A1 WO2023200609 A1 WO 2023200609A1
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reactor
conductive liquid
gas
hydrocarbon
electrode
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PCT/US2023/017074
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English (en)
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David Staack
Howard JEMISON
Kunpeng Wang
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The Texas A&M University System
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Publication of WO2023200609A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023200609A1/fr

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10G—CRACKING HYDROCARBON OILS; PRODUCTION OF LIQUID HYDROCARBON MIXTURES, e.g. BY DESTRUCTIVE HYDROGENATION, OLIGOMERISATION, POLYMERISATION; RECOVERY OF HYDROCARBON OILS FROM OIL-SHALE, OIL-SAND, OR GASES; REFINING MIXTURES MAINLY CONSISTING OF HYDROCARBONS; REFORMING OF NAPHTHA; MINERAL WAXES
    • C10G15/00—Cracking of hydrocarbon oils by electric means, electromagnetic or mechanical vibrations, by particle radiation or with gases superheated in electric arcs
    • C10G15/12—Cracking of hydrocarbon oils by electric means, electromagnetic or mechanical vibrations, by particle radiation or with gases superheated in electric arcs with gases superheated in an electric arc, e.g. plasma
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J10/00—Chemical processes in general for reacting liquid with gaseous media other than in the presence of solid particles, or apparatus specially adapted therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J19/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J19/0006—Controlling or regulating processes
    • B01J19/002—Avoiding undesirable reactions or side-effects, e.g. avoiding explosions, or improving the yield by suppressing side-reactions
    • B01J19/0026—Avoiding carbon deposits
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J19/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J19/08—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor
    • B01J19/087—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor employing electric or magnetic energy
    • B01J19/088—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor employing electric or magnetic energy giving rise to electric discharges
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B3/00—Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it; Purification of hydrogen
    • C01B3/02—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
    • C01B3/32—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air
    • C01B3/34—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
    • H05H1/00—Generating plasma; Handling plasma
    • H05H1/24—Generating plasma
    • H05H1/48—Generating plasma using an arc
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/08—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor
    • B01J2219/0803—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor employing electric or magnetic energy
    • B01J2219/0805—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor employing electric or magnetic energy giving rise to electric discharges
    • B01J2219/0807—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor employing electric or magnetic energy giving rise to electric discharges involving electrodes
    • B01J2219/0809—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor employing electric or magnetic energy giving rise to electric discharges involving electrodes employing two or more electrodes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/08—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor
    • B01J2219/0803—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor employing electric or magnetic energy
    • B01J2219/0805—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor employing electric or magnetic energy giving rise to electric discharges
    • B01J2219/0807—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor employing electric or magnetic energy giving rise to electric discharges involving electrodes
    • B01J2219/0815—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor employing electric or magnetic energy giving rise to electric discharges involving electrodes involving stationary electrodes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/08—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor
    • B01J2219/0803—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor employing electric or magnetic energy
    • B01J2219/0805—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor employing electric or magnetic energy giving rise to electric discharges
    • B01J2219/0807—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor employing electric or magnetic energy giving rise to electric discharges involving electrodes
    • B01J2219/0824—Details relating to the shape of the electrodes
    • B01J2219/0826—Details relating to the shape of the electrodes essentially linear
    • B01J2219/083—Details relating to the shape of the electrodes essentially linear cylindrical
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/08—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor
    • B01J2219/0803—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor employing electric or magnetic energy
    • B01J2219/085—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor employing electric or magnetic energy creating magnetic fields
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/08—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor
    • B01J2219/0894—Processes carried out in the presence of a plasma
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/02—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/0205—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step
    • C01B2203/0211—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step containing a non-catalytic reforming step
    • C01B2203/0216—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step containing a non-catalytic reforming step containing a non-catalytic steam reforming step
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/02—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/0283—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a CO-shift step, i.e. a water gas shift step
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/04—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a purification step for the hydrogen or the synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/0405—Purification by membrane separation
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/04—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a purification step for the hydrogen or the synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/042—Purification by adsorption on solids
    • C01B2203/043—Regenerative adsorption process in two or more beds, one for adsorption, the other for regeneration
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/04—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a purification step for the hydrogen or the synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/0465—Composition of the impurity
    • C01B2203/0495—Composition of the impurity the impurity being water
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/06—Integration with other chemical processes
    • C01B2203/066—Integration with other chemical processes with fuel cells
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/08—Methods of heating or cooling
    • C01B2203/0805—Methods of heating the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/0861—Methods of heating the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas by plasma
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/80—Aspect of integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas not covered by groups C01B2203/02 - C01B2203/1695
    • C01B2203/84—Energy production

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the fields of energy production, gas to liquid fuel conversion, macro and nanomaterial synthesis, hydrogen production and carbon sequestration.
  • FIG. l is a cross sectional diagram of a hydrocarbon gas reactor, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 2 is another cross sectional diagram of a hydrocarbon gas reactor, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 3 is yet another cross sectional diagram of a hydrocarbon gas reactor, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system to process hydrocarbon gasses is provided, according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 5 is another block diagram of a system to process hydrocarbon gasses is provided, according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 6 is yet another block diagram of a system to process hydrocarbon gasses is provided, according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 7 is a sequestration portion of a system 700 to process hydrocarbon gasses, according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 8 is another cross sectional diagram of a hydrocarbon gas reactor, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 9A is a cross sectional view of hydrocarbon reactor, in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG. 9B is an isometric view of the hydrocarbon reactor of FIG. 9A, in accordance with some embodiments
  • the reactor can include a first electrode, configured to receive a first conductive liquid from a first injection port, and energize said first conductive liquid to a first voltage.
  • the reactor can include a second electrode, configured to receive a second conductive liquid from a second injection port, and energize said second conductive liquid to a second voltage.
  • the second electrode can be a distance from the first electrode. A difference between the first voltage and the second voltage can exceed a dielectric breakdown of a gas disposed within the reactor for the distance.
  • the reactor can include a gas injection port configured to deliver the gas to the hydrocarbon gas reactor.
  • the gas injection port is one of the first or second electrodes.
  • the gas disposed within the reactor is a non-oxidizing gas comprising hydrocarbons.
  • the hydrocarbons comprise natural gas. This natural gas may be raw gas from a well, gas from a natural gas gathering line, or natural gas from a distribution line.
  • the hydrocarbon gas can be attained from another process such as a gasifier, biogenesis, or other hydrocarbon gas production processes. The hydrocarbon gas thus may contain nonhydrocarbon impurities as is typical of such sources.
  • a dielectric sheath in conjunction with the first injection port, delivers the first conductive liquid to the first electrode.
  • the reactor can include a first outlet vent for the gas, and an ignition source configured to ignite the vent gas.
  • the reactor includes a bypass vent, configured to vent the gas prior to its introduction to the reactor.
  • the reactor includes a hydrogen power generator such as a fuel cell or turbine, configured to receive hydrogen generated within the reactor to generate electrical energy.
  • the hydrogen electrical energy generator comprises at least one of a pressure swing absorption (PSA) system, a temperature swing absorption (TSA) system, a membrane purifier, or a dryer purification system which can condition the gas to a specification corresponding to the energy generating system.
  • the reactor is configured to generate swirling of radial plasma and liquid along an interior surface of a sidewall thereof.
  • the reactor includes a plurality of magnets disposed around an exterior surface of the sidewall thereof.
  • the reactor is configured to adjust a flow rate of the first conductive liquid or the second conductive liquid responsive to a conductivity of the respective conductive liquid.
  • the method can include a multiphase nonequilibrium plasma hydrocarbon reactor.
  • the reactor can include a first electrode, configured to receive a first conductive liquid from a first injection port, and energize said first conductive liquid to a first voltage.
  • the reactor can include a second electrode, configured to receive a second conductive liquid from a second injection port, and energize said second conductive liquid to a second voltage.
  • the second electrode is a minimum distance from the first electrode.
  • a gas injection port can be configured to deliver a hydrocarbon gas to the reactor. A difference between the first voltage and the second voltage can exceed a dielectric breakdown of the hydrocarbon gas disposed within the reactor for the distance.
  • the first injection port and the second injection port are different ports.
  • the gas injection port is one of the first or second electrodes.
  • the system includes a plurality of magnets disposed around an exterior surface of a reactor sidewall, the plurality of magnets configured to generate swirling of radial plasma in combination with an electric field between the first and second electrodes.
  • Some embodiments relate to a method. The method can include receiving, by a multiphase non-equilibrium plasma hydrocarbon reactor, a first conductive liquid at a first injection port. The method can include energizing, by a first electrode of the reactor, the first conductive liquid at a first voltage.
  • the method can include receiving, by the reactor, second conductive liquid at a second voltage, the second conductive liquid separated from the first conductive liquid by a distance.
  • the method can include receiving, by the reactor, a hydrocarbon gas. A difference between the first voltage and the second voltage can exceed a dielectric breakdown of the hydrocarbon gas so as to ionize the hydrocarbon gas.
  • the method includes receiving, from the reactor, a conductive liquid therefrom. In some embodiments, the method includes separating a first portion of conductive particles from the conductive liquid, and thereafter injecting the separated conductive liquid into the reactor. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving, from the reactor, the second conductive liquid. In some embodiments, the method includes cooling, by a heat exchanger, the second conductive liquid. In some embodiments, the method includes injecting cooled second conductive liquid into the reactor.
  • hydrocarbons such as methane (e.g., bio-methane) and other hydrocarbon gases include hydrogen atoms
  • H2 or other materials or energy from these hydrocarbons presents challenges. Some of those challenges involve carbon released into the atmosphere, which may have negative environmental and regulatory consequences.
  • carbon dioxide may be released from combustion processes used to encourage the above mentioned reaction. Passing methane into a plasma discharge may cause various chemical reactions resulting in the formation of H2.
  • a reactor chamber may be filled with a substantially nonoxidizing gas, such as methane, and at least one pair of electrodes may be energized to a high voltage, sufficient to result in the dielectric breakdown of a gap between the two electrodes.
  • the gap may be about 10-20 mm, and the electrodes may be energized to about 10-20kV potential (e.g., by an alternating current or direct current source).
  • the voltage and gap may be adjusted depending on the dielectric breakdown of the gas between the electrodes (e.g., pressure, composition, etc.).
  • the plasma discharge can operate in a manner such that non-equilibrium chemical reactions occur.
  • the non-equilibrium condition can be maintained in the presence of an electric field high enough that electrons have sufficient energy to initiate non-thermal ionization, dissociation, and chemical excitation.
  • Reduced electric fields in these nonequilibrium embodiment can range from dozens to hundreds of Townsend (Td), in some embodiments.
  • SMR stream-methane-reforming
  • higher water temperatures (e.g., in excess of 30° C) or more turbulent water flow may incorporate more steam into the plasma discharge zone, and generate relatively low H2:CO ratios.
  • lower water temperatures (e.g., less than 30° C) or less turbulent water flow may incorporate less steam into the plasma discharge zone, and generate relatively high H2:CO ratios.
  • reactors generating relatively high H2:CO ratios can employ lower water temperatures (e.g., based on water volume or a heat exchanger), higher system pressures (e.g., as controlled by headspace valves), salt water solutions (e.g., as controlled by addition of salts or other particles), more dynamic plasma discharges, and a greater quantity of non-thermal plasma.
  • Reactors employing a conductive liquid that contains less oxygen than water, for example a conductive oil can be employed to generate gaseous products having relatively high H2:CO ratios, which may reduce the carbon dioxide emissions impact of the overall process.
  • An ensuing dielectric breakdown may result in plasma discharge between the electrodes, such that when a hydrocarbon, such as methane gas, is passed into the discharge, the hydrocarbon may undergo various chemical reactions resulting in a product of H2, various oxygenates, or carbon particles which may thereafter be separated, sequestered or otherwise used.
  • the operating voltage of the plasma may be less than the original energized voltage, for example 500V to 3kV.
  • hydrogen can be generated along with other species such as gaseous hydrocarbons (e.g., alkane or alkene).
  • gaseous hydrocarbons e.g., alkane or alkene
  • hydroxyl radicals and oxidized and partially oxidized compounds can be formed, such as where water is used as a liquid electrode.
  • coproducts such as carbon solids, polymers, alcohols, etc. may be sequestered and/or used.
  • the hydrocarbon e.g., natural gas
  • one or more electrodes may be hollow/cannulated to allow the gas to pass through the electrode towards the plasma discharge.
  • Products of the system can occur in the gas phase, the liquid phase, and the solid phase.
  • short chain alcohols like methanol, ethanol, propanol, propenol, and ketones can be produced therein.
  • gaseous carbon oxides or carbon solids may be produced.
  • Coke (a grey, hard, high carbon content solid), is a potential product of hydrocarbon processing in the absence of oxygen. Upon a formation thereof, this coke may present a challenge to transport out of the reactor and prevent fouling (e.g., the accumulation of unwanted material on surfaces such as electrodes). Maintenance cycles on the equipment may be performed to remove the coke, and other accumulations.
  • the non-thermal multiphase plasma reactor with liquid electrodes can transport produced solids out of the reactor to obviate or reduce such maintenance.
  • the non-equilibrium plasma due to high intensity of processing reactions and the short residence time of particle within the reaction zone, can produces solid particles which are about 10 nm to about 1000 nm in scale, in some embodiments. Such solids can cover a large surface area, such as an electrode surface when not transported away.
  • a non-limiting composition table of some example hydrophobic, nano-graphene solids attained by SEM- EDS follows; other solid compositions and structures may be formed from varying process temperature, pressure, current, solution salinity, flow rates or so forth.
  • the co-products can foul the reactor by forming particles over the electrodes, as in various thermal pyrolysis and electric discharge pyrolysis systems. Fouling can occur when particles collect and build up on surfaces preventing them from having the intended geometry or surface properties (e.g., electrical conduction). For example, fouling with conductive carbon could cause dielectric surfaces to become conductive changing the electrical discharge. In some embodiments, fouling is prevented by convecting solids away from surfaces using a (conductive) liquid as an electrode for the discharge.
  • the conductive liquid can include water, molten metal, or oil.
  • the conductive liquid can include various dissolved components to adjust a conductivity thereof. Moreover, the quantity of such dissolved components can be adjusted or maintained.
  • a conductive liquid electrode can serve as the electric circuit electrode for the boundary of the plasma.
  • a portion of the liquid may volatize, becoming a component of the plasma discharge.
  • the volatized portion may depend and be controlled, correlating to a boiling point of the liquid electrode, the specific heat of the liquid electrode, or the like.
  • the liquid electrode includes water, the evaporation of a portion of the water electrode can add steam or methane reforming and add water shift reactions to the chemistry of the system.
  • the liquid electrode includes water along with salt wherein this evaporation injects alkali, alkaline, or metallic elements into the plasma discharge (for example Na, Ca, Mg, K). These elements can significantly lower the electric field required to sustain the plasma and improve the efficiency of plasma generation (e.g., by lowering the electric field to sustain the plasma at the same current by 10%-50% according to some embodiments), relative to other elements which may employ additional energy to ionize (e.g., carbon).
  • Conductive liquid may be passed over one or more of the electrodes which may clear any fouling (e.g., carbon solid fouling) on the electrodes, cool the electrodes, etc.
  • conductive liquid may be passed over one or more of the electrodes during operation, such that the conductive liquid may act as the electrode.
  • the conductive liquid may comprise a salt or other material (e.g., NaCl, carbons solids, etc.) which may increase the conductivity of the conductive liquid, and may allow the conductive liquid to operate as an effective extension of the electrode.
  • such an embodiment may result in cooling the chamber comprising the electrodes during operation, remove and/or avoid the accumulation of carbon along solid electrodes, and may further result in additional availability of vapor, which may increase the production of hydrogen (e.g., by the methane-water reaction, in the case of a water containing electrode).
  • such an embodiment may use the turbulent and/or vortex motion of the conductive liquid to remove carbon fouling, polymers, and/or other solids from the chamber (e.g., through a collection area, by allowing various solids to precipitate from solution, by passing the conductive liquid through a filtering element, etc.).
  • the various conductive liquid streams in these example may be held at significantly different potentials and electrically isolated upstream to ensure a high voltage discharge between the conductive liquid electrodes.
  • various mechanical features of a dielectric sheath, the electrodes, and various additional components may be employed to direct the flow of the conductive liquid, a hydrocarbon gas, impart forces on the plasma, and to accelerate or retard various chemical reactions.
  • the electrode, dielectric, and cannula e.g., various injection ports
  • a dielectric sleeve may extend beyond the end of a hollow electrode to force plasma attachment point in an interior surface of the electrode.
  • a mix of axial and swirling flow may be used to convect gas through the discharge to achieve a desired residence time of the gas within the active discharge zone.
  • a magnetic field may be applied to the plasma to convect the plasma discharge through the gas.
  • a permanent magnet or electromagnet can generate an (e.g., axial) magnetic field.
  • E radial electric field
  • J radial current
  • a Lorentz force in the JxB azimuthal direction can be generated. This can cause plasma to rotate in the azimuthal direction (e.g., swirl). This motion can increase a rate of non-equilibrium plasma reactions and further distribute the formation of carbon particle synthesis, which may prevents fouling particles from accumulating.
  • Electrodes may orient the electrodes vertically, as depicted in the various figures herein, some embodiments, including various embodiments comprising fluidic electrodes (i.e., where a terminal portion of the electrode is a fluid such as water), may orient the electrodes vertically or otherwise. Additionally, the positions of the upper and lower electrodes may be reversed, either mechanically, or electrically. Thus, the upper and lower nomenclature of the electrodes is merely intended to refer to the figures herein, and not limit this disclosure, which contemplates the upper and lower electrodes in various positions, and with various relative polarizations. Further, electrodes may similarly be termed as first and second (and third and fourth, and inner and outer, and so on).
  • the discharge may occur between a central / axially located electrode and the inner wall of a cylindrical annular with the discharge being predominantly radial in direction.
  • Conductive liquid can be outer annulus through tangential injection or swirling motion.
  • the conductive liquid may also flow radially out of the central electrode.
  • Swirling may refer to a circular or spiral rotation within the reactor body.
  • any fluid e.g., vapor or liquid fluid
  • any plasma swirl responsive to magnetic forces, electrical forces, gas input velocity, conductive liquid input velocity, mechanical rotation, or so forth.
  • Conductive liquid temperature may be controlled by adjusting a volume of water injected into or removed from the reactor. For example, for a water electrode, a temperature of less than 30°C may be maintained my increasing a flow rate of water through the reactor, or increased by lowering a flow rate of water through the reactor in order to control its partial pressure in hydrocarbon gas/water vapor mixture. This may reduce oxidative products including CO and CO2 which are products of plasma steam reforming of hydrocarbons. Similarly the pressure inside of the reactor can be increased such that there is less evaporation of the liquid electrode materials. Again in the example of a water electrode this increase in pressure will reduce the production of CO and CO2 relative to the production of H2. All of the liquid or only part of the liquid evaporates upon encountering the heat and plasma in the reactor, thus the flow rate can be determined in combination with a rate of vapor entering of leaving the reactor.
  • a flow rate of the conductive fluid can be adjusted to control a conductivity thereof.
  • a settling tank, filter, skimmer, or other separator for particulates such as salts, carbon solids or the like can remove particles from the water such that adjusting the flow rate of the conductive liquid between the reactor and the separator can control a conductivity of the conductive liquid.
  • the reactor can adjust the flow rate to control the flow rate such that liquid flow is effective to remove fouling on the electrode, control a temperature of the reactor, etc.
  • Flow rate can be controlled such that conductive loss through the liquid is maintained below a threshold.
  • the reactor can include or interface with a controller configured to execute instructions of a non-transitory media.
  • the controller can be in network communication with various valves disclosed herein, along with sensors to determine temperature, pressure, conductivity, and other properties of the reactor, such as the conductive liquid, and can cause the various valves to actuate responsive to comparisons of detected values to thresholds.
  • the material of the container containing the conductive liquid is formed from conducting components or dielectric components.
  • the hollow tube convecting the conductive liquid may be conducting or dielectric. Construction of a circuit where all conductive liquid contacting materials are either dielectrics or plasma may be configured such that no metals or solid conductors contact the conductive liquid. Such a configuration may, advantageously, ease the manufacture of embodiments having electrochemical reactions at electrodes (e.g., both anodic and cathodic reactions) which may be suppressed to avoid chemical reactions of metallic ions.
  • the vessels containing the conductive liquid flows may be made of specific conductors so as to specifically introduce certain metallic ions for benefit of the products generated.
  • Ni metal particles may serve as seeds for carbon nanoparticle synthesis of various geometries.
  • Ni ions in solution at the conductive liquid- plasma interface may serve as seeds for nanotube growth through one or more chemical pathways.
  • the reactor 100 comprises a hollow upper electrode 110, a conductive liquid injection port 120, and a dielectric sheath 130.
  • the upper electrode 110 is connected to a first voltage, such as through a bus bar, wire, etc.
  • various electrodes may be energized from charging conductive liquids 120 with an electric charge and thereafter allowing droplets of the conductive liquid 125 to fall onto the bottom electrode 160 which may, advantageously, allow for electrical isolation of the electrodes.
  • the hollow center of the upper electrode 110 may be configured to pass hydrocarbon gas from a storage facility, utility, or down well location into the reactor chamber along a flow path 140.
  • the upper electrode 110 may comprise one or more conductive elements.
  • a first metallic element may be connected to a first voltage source
  • a second fluidic element may be a conductive liquid 125, such as an aqueous solution comprising water, and additives thereto to adjust the viscosity, conductivity, etc.
  • a conductive liquid 125 such as an aqueous solution comprising water, and additives thereto to adjust the viscosity, conductivity, etc.
  • water for ease of reference.
  • salts e.g., NaCl
  • the first electrode i.e., the first water
  • the conductive liquid can include a molten metal (e.g., may be or include cerium, gallium, a combination thereof, or the like).
  • the metal may be liquid at near ambient temperatures (e.g., less than 100° C such as less than 30° C) which may lower an energy usage of the reactor.
  • the conductive liquid includes a hydrocarbon liquid (which may nominally be low conductivity) with carbon or metallic conductive particles in the solution. These can include micro or nanoparticles in the solution. The particles could be added to the liquid or synthesized within the system and recycled within the liquid flow.
  • the conductive liquid can include a mixture of various liquid described herein, and the like.
  • the lower electrode 160 is depicted as a conductive liquid electrode which may cover a conductive element (not depicted) to ground the conductive liquid (e.g., a ground plane, a bus bar, a ground strap, etc.).
  • a second conductive liquid injection port may provide conductive liquid to the lower electrode.
  • the second conductive liquid port is the upper conductor (i.e., the first conductive liquid may fall to the second conductive liquid, either directly as droplets, or after vaporizing and re-condensing).
  • the second electrode 160 may be energized to a second voltage, which, relative to the first electrode, exceeds the dielectric breakdown voltage of a gap (i.e., a minimum distance) between the upper 110 and lower electrodes 160 (including the conductive liquid 125 included in the electrodes 110, 160), so as to form a plasma 150.
  • the opening at the center of the hollow upper electrode 110 may be used to pass hydrocarbon gas (e.g., methane) to the gap between the upper and lower electrodes, such that the gas enters the plasma 150 at a controlled rate, inducing various chemical reactions including the formation of Hz.
  • the reactor may be a multiphase reactor, wherein material such as a hydrocarbon can be react in a plurality of phases (e.g., solid phase, liquid phase, gas phase, and plasma phase).
  • the dielectric sheath 130 may provide mechanical support to the upper electrode 110, such as adhering the upper electrode 110 to an upper or side surface of the reactor, providing fluid retention for the electrode (e.g., to maintain the conductive liquid along the electrode).
  • the flow rate of the conductive liquid may be configured to maintain the conductive liquid along the electrode, maintain a desired level of conductive liquid vapor, etc.
  • the conductive liquid may comprise various thickening agents, detergents, etc. to adhere the conductive liquid to electrodes, avoid an electrical connection (e.g., a short circuit) between the first and second electrode in addition or as an alternative to controlling the conductive liquid flow, surface smoothness, upper or lower electrode position, etc.
  • the amount of salt, particles, or other additives added to the conductive liquid may control the conductivity thereof, to control the formation of various substances.
  • the addition of NaCl at a concentration of about 3% may result in a relatively large proportion of carbon solids formed, whereas NaCl at a concentration of about 0.1% may result in a relatively large proportion of polymers being formed.
  • oxygen including conductive liquids such as water
  • a portion of the conductive liquid may form CO or CO2.
  • Hydrocarbons including conductive liquids can reduce oxidation and contribute to solid particle or hydrocarbon gas production.
  • the conductive liquid may be delivered onto the first conductor by a conductive liquid injector which may inject conductive liquid, through the first conductive liquid injection port 120 from outside the reactor and/or recycle conductive liquid from the reactor.
  • FIG. 2 another cross sectional diagram of a hydrocarbon gas reactor 200 is provided, according to some embodiments.
  • the conductive liquid 125 is received around an outer perimeter of the dielectric sheath 130, which may, advantageously, simplify the design of the upper electrode 110.
  • the dielectric sheath may be chamfered or otherwise formed to pass the conductive liquid 125 to along the edge of the electrode (e.g., along the surface of the upper electrode, through channels in the electrode configured to receive the conductive liquid 125, etc.).
  • such embodiment may avoid the plurality of generally concentric openings found in the upper electrode of FIG. 1.
  • the upper electrode 110 can be a cannula (e.g., a stainless steel capillary electrode) configured to receive a hydrocarbon gas including natural gas (e.g., ethane, methane, propane, etc.)
  • a flow path 140 of the hydrocarbon gas depicts a net migration of the gas into the chamber, which may correspond to a pressure gradient between a source of the gas and the reactor.
  • FIG. 3 yet another cross sectional diagram of a hydrocarbon gas reactor 100 is provided, according to some embodiments.
  • the hydrocarbon gas 305 is introduced from a lower electrode 160, which may, advantageously, simplify the construction of the upper electrode.
  • Hydrocarbon gas 305 is guided towards the upper electrode through a hydrocarbon gas injector 310.
  • the hydrocarbon gas injector 310 may be a conductive element energizing the conductive liquid which is, or is in contact with, the second electrode 160, to a second voltage.
  • the conductive liquid 125 may be otherwise energized to a second voltage, and the hydrocarbon gas 305 may be guided otherwise (e.g., by a nonconductive port such as glass or plastic, by fluid dynamics such as a vortex within the conductive liquid, etc.).
  • a plurality of upper electrodes 110 or an upper electrode 110 of large cross sectional area may obviate the need to guide the methane, except by the selection of a suitable insertion point.
  • various elements of the depicted embodiments may be adjusted, modified, and substituted therebetween, and that various mechanical pressures, etc. or other mechanisms may provide a pair of fluidic electrodes conductive liquid at a first controlled rate, and introduce a controlled flow of hydrocarbon gas at a second controlled rate, and may maintain or adjust the distance between those electrodes, the first rate, the second rate, etc.
  • Natural gas may be processed as an incidental byproduct (e.g., incident to oil extraction), and may be released to the atmosphere, which may be undesirable (e.g., for environmental and/or regulatory reasons).
  • the natural gas may comprise a plurality of components including methane.
  • the originally constituted substance may be termed as associated gas or raw natural gas.
  • the raw natural gas is often combusted, which may control the pressure of the natural gas (e.g., at an oil extraction site), but may also release carbon dioxide, and un-combusted methane.
  • Some embodiments may process natural gas (e.g., comprising methane) by any of the methods disclosed herein.
  • the hydrocarbon gas is biological in origin (e.g. bio-gas from an anaerobic digester).
  • biological in origin e.g. bio-gas from an anaerobic digester.
  • at least a portion of the raw natural gas may be converted into H2, carbon solids, carbon- containing polymers, and additional carbon containing chemicals in aqueous solution (e.g., alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, fatty acids, etc.).
  • New products may also separate (e.g., preferentially separate) to absorb in the solid phase, or an immiscible liquid phase (e.g., an oil phase with condensable alkanes, alkenes, etc.) as well as various gaseous products (e.g., acetylene, carbon monoxide, etc.).
  • an ignition source such as a pilot light or an electric igniter
  • a flare which may satisfy safety concerns or regulatory concerns.
  • the resulting flare may emit lower CO2 than raw natural gas.
  • an additional (e.g., failsafe) carbon flare emission site may be present which may allow continued venting and, in some embodiments, flaring, of the raw natural gas.
  • a power supply unit 405 provides electricity to a hydrocarbon reactor 100.
  • the power supply unit 405 can include a solar array, grid based energy, or another energy source (e.g., natural gas or oil based energy source).
  • the hydrocarbon reactor 100 can receive hydrocarbon gas from a hydrocarbon gas input source 410 which may be a down well source, anaerobic digester, or another source.
  • the hydrocarbon reactor 100 can be intermediated by one or more gas input valves 475. As the hydrocarbon reactor 100 operates, a fluidic electrode material can accumulate carbon or other materials therein.
  • the hydrocarbon reactor 100 can connect to a settling tank 420 or other processing to control (e.g., remove or add) accumulated material.
  • a reactor fluid outlet valve 415 can control a rate of fluid removed from the hydrocarbon reactor 100 which may control a content of the reactor fluid.
  • the settling tank 420 can separate fluid, entrained gasses, and particulate matter and can include filters, separators, skimmers, or the like.
  • a pump e.g., clarified liquid pump
  • a reactor fluid inlet valve 460 can control a rate or pressure of fluid return.
  • the settling tank 420 can receive the water from a water source 465, through a water source valve 470.
  • the various references to water can be replaced by various conductive liquids such as metals or oils having macro or nanoparticles disposed therein.
  • the water source 465 may be a molten metal source 465.
  • the hydrocarbon reactor 100 can supply hydrocarbon gas to a condenser 430 via a reactor outlet valve 425.
  • the condenser 430 may output gas to a knock-out (KO) drum 440, which may separator vapors, gas, and entrained fluids.
  • the entrained fluids and condensed vapors may be returned to the settling tank by a KO drum fluidic valve 435.
  • the gas may be output via a gas output valve 480 to a gas output 445 which may include a flare, gas storage, energy production, or the like.
  • Solids from the settling tank can be passed through a pump 442 (e.g., a carbon slurry pump) for sequester or otherwise dispose of carbon containing compounds at a storage location 450.
  • a pump 442 e.g., a carbon slurry pump
  • FIG. 5 another block diagram of a system 500 to process hydrocarbon gasses is provided, according to some embodiments.
  • the system 500 includes a gas output 505 which can receive a refined hydrocarbon gas such as hydrogen.
  • the system 500 can include many of the various components of FIG. 4, along with a second stage KO drum 520.
  • the second stage KO drum 520 can receive an output from the first stage KO drum 440 of FIG. 4, which may be intermediated by a compressor 510 and condenser 515 to further remove vapor, fluids, or other content.
  • Such fluids can be returned to the settling tank 420 through a second stage fluidic valve 525.
  • the gas may further pass through a dryer 530 and H2 based purification portion 535 (e.g., a membrane purifier).
  • H2 based purification portion 535 e.g., a membrane purifier.
  • Purified gas e.g., H2 gas
  • H2 gas can be provided from the purification portion 535 and other portions of gas can be conveyed to the gas output 505 for a flare or other disposition.
  • a portion of the processed natural gas may be used to generate electric energy, such as through the use of an H2 fuel cell or hydrogen turbine engine and generator.
  • a power source may supplement or obviate the need for grid-supplied energy to operate the reactor.
  • a surplus of electrical energy (greater than that to power the plasma discharge) can also be produced and sold or used in other processes.
  • a fuel cell 605 can receive an output from the purification portion 535 of the system, and may supply energy therefrom to the hydrocarbon reactor 100.
  • FIG. 7 depicts a sequestration portion of a system 700 to process hydrocarbon gasses, according to some embodiments.
  • the sequestration portion can be employed with other systems such as the systems depicted in FIGs. 5, 6, and 7. Indeed, the various embodiments provided herein can be substituted, modified, and otherwise combined.
  • a reactor fluidic inlet valve 705, outlet valve 710, and transfer valve 715 can maintain a flow rate into and out of the reactor.
  • a filter, skimmer, or other separator can receive fluid from the outlet valve 710 or transfer valve 715, and provide a first portion of carbon (e.g., low density solids) for sequestration.
  • Other material can pass to the settling tank 420.
  • the settling tank can receive other fluids including conductive liquids from the reactor or other sources.
  • the settling tank 420 can provide the material to a water pump 455 or a cooler 740 in series with a cyclone 745 (e.g., hydrocyclone) to densify carbon which can thereafter be sequestered.
  • a cyclone 745 e.g., hydrocyclone
  • a vapor wash drum can intermediate the solids settling tank 420 from the conductive liquid supply, and return a portion of vapor or liquid to a KO drum 440.
  • the vapor wash drum and the KO drum 440 can be intermediated by a condenser 430.
  • a heat exchanger can reduce a temperature of the conductive liquid and return the cooled conductive liquid to the reactor 100.
  • Some embodiments may omit a flare and may include a gathering line for all or all non-Hz gas.
  • FIG. 8 depicts another cross sectional view still, of hydrocarbon reactor 100, in accordance with some embodiments.
  • a lower electrode 160 can provide a hydrocarbon gas along a same flow path 140 as depicted in FIG. 4.
  • An upper electrode 110 can include a conductive liquid 125.
  • the reactor of FIG. 8 can be a same reactor of FIG. 4, wherein a surface of both electrodes 110, 160 comprise a conductive liquid such as molten metal.
  • FIG. 9A depicts a cross sectional view of hydrocarbon reactor, in accordance with some embodiments.
  • a gas injection port 905 of an upper electrode 110 provides hydrocarbon gas to a reactor body 940.
  • the gas injection port 905, like other ports herein, can receive various amounts or pressures of gas according to various reactor geometries. For example, in some embodiments, the gas injection port 905 receives between 0.5 and 20 standard liters per minute (SLPM) of hydrocarbon gas.
  • SLPM standard liters per minute
  • a dielectric sheath 130 electrically isolates the upper electrode 110 from the reactor body 940.
  • a first conductive liquid injection port 120A is configured to receive a conductive liquid (not depicted) to pass the conductive liquid along the outer wall (e.g., sidewall 935) of the reactor.
  • a liquid channel 910 internal to the reactor, can cause the liquid to tangentially swirl along the sidewall 935 thereof.
  • the first conductive liquid injection port 120A can receive a conductive liquid at a rate of about 0.1 to 20 SLPM.
  • a second conductive liquid injection port 120B is configured to receive a conductive liquid for down electrode flow and cooling, at least a portion of which may vaporize or ionize in the reactor.
  • the second conductive liquid injection port 120B can receive a conductive liquid at a rate of about 0 to 100 standard cubic centimeters per minute (SCCM).
  • SCCM standard cubic centimeters per minute
  • the chamber can include various portions which are selectively coupled, such as by the depicted holding pins 920.
  • the removal of holding pins can allow the reactor to be opened (e.g., for service such as periodic de-fouling).
  • a plurality of permanent magnets 925 are disposed around the sidewall 935 of the reactor.
  • the plurality of permanent magnets 925 can generate inter-reactor magnetic fields of about 100 gauss to 5000 gauss.
  • stronger, weaker, or variable magnets may be employed (e.g., electromagnets).
  • the magnets 925 can, in combination with the electric field, cause the plasma to swirl which may increase and efficiency of the reactor due to increased reactions.
  • a water outlet valve 915 can release water from the reactor.
  • FIG. 9B an isometric view of the hydrocarbon reactor of FIG. 9A is provided, in accordance with some embodiments.
  • a gas outlet valve 930 can cause gas to be removed from the reactor to control a pressure thereof, or to harvest the gas.
  • the gas may be refined (e.g., high in H2) relative to the hydrocarbon gas input into the reactor.
  • Embodiment Al A multiphase non-equilibrium plasma hydrocarbon reactor comprising: a first electrode, configured to receive a first conductive liquid from a first injection port, and energize said first conductive liquid to a first voltage; and a second electrode situated a distance from the first electrode, the second electrode configured to receive a second conductive liquid from a second injection port, and energize said second conductive liquid to a second voltage such that a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage exceeds a dielectric breakdown of a gas disposed within the reactor for the distance.
  • Embodiment A2 The reactor of Embodiment Al, further comprising a gas injection port configured to deliver the gas to the hydrocarbon gas reactor.
  • Embodiment A3 The reactor of Embodiment A2, wherein the gas injection port is one of the first or second electrodes.
  • Embodiment A4 The reactor of any of Embodiments Al - A3, wherein the gas disposed within the reactor is a non-oxidizing gas comprising hydrocarbons.
  • Embodiment A5 The reactor of Embodiment A4, wherein the hydrocarbons comprise natural gas.
  • Embodiment A6 The reactor of any of Embodiments Al - A5, wherein a dielectric sheath, in conjunction with the first injection port, delivers the first conductive liquid to the first electrode.
  • Embodiment A7 The reactor of any of Embodiments Al - A6, further comprising a first outlet vent for the gas, and an ignition source configured to ignite the vent gas.
  • Embodiment A8 The reactor of any of Embodiments Al - A7, further comprising a bypass vent, configured to vent the gas prior to its introduction to the reactor.
  • Embodiment A9 The reactor of any of Embodiments Al - A8, further comprising a powered electrical generator, configured to receive hydrogen generated within the reactor to generate electrical energy.
  • Embodiment A10 The reactor of Embodiment A9, wherein the powered electrical generator comprises at least one of a pressure swing absorption (PSA) system, a temperature swing absorption (TSA) system, a membrane purifier, or a dryer purification system.
  • PSA pressure swing absorption
  • TSA temperature swing absorption
  • membrane purifier membrane purifier
  • dryer purification system a dryer purification system
  • Embodiment Al 1 The reactor of any of Embodiments Al - A10, wherein the reactor is configured to generate swirling of radial plasma and liquid along an interior surface of a sidewall thereof.
  • Embodiment A12 The reactor of Embodiment Al l, wherein the reactor includes a plurality of magnets disposed around an exterior surface of the sidewall thereof.
  • Embodiment A13 The reactor of any of Embodiments Al - A12, wherein the reactor is configured to adjust a flow rate of the first conductive liquid or the second conductive liquid based at least in part on a conductivity of the respective conductive liquid.
  • Embodiment Bl A system comprising: a plasma hydrocarbon reactor comprising: a first injection port configured to deliver a first conductive liquid at a first electrode; a second injection port configured to deliver a second conductive liquid at a second electrode that is a distance from the first electrode; and a gas injection port configured to deliver a hydrocarbon gas to the plasma hydrocarbon reactor; and a controller configured to generate, via a power supply, an electric field between the first and second electrodes.
  • Embodiment B2 The system of Embodiment Bl, wherein the first injection port and the second injection port are different ports.
  • Embodiment B3 The system of either Embodiment B 1 or B2, wherein the gas injection port is one of the first or second electrodes.
  • Embodiment B4 The system of any of Embodiments Bl - B3, further comprising: a plurality of magnets disposed around an exterior surface of a sidewall of the multiphase non-equilibrium plasma hydrocarbon reactor.
  • Embodiment B5 The reactor of any of Embodiments Bl - B4, wherein the controller is further configured to generate swirling of radial plasma in combination with the electric field between the first and second electrodes.
  • Embodiment CE A method comprising: receiving, by a hydrocarbon reactor, a first conductive liquid at a first injection port; receiving, by the hydrocarbon reactor, a second conductive liquid at a second injection port, the second conductive liquid separated from the first conductive liquid by a distance; receiving, by the hydrocarbon reactor, a hydrocarbon gas; and energizing the first conductive liquid to a first voltage and the second conductive liquid to a second voltage such that a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage exceeds a dielectric breakdown of the hydrocarbon gas.
  • Embodiment C2 The method of Embodiment Cl, further comprising: receiving, from the reactor, a conductive liquid therefrom; separating a first portion of conductive particles from the conductive liquid; and thereafter, injecting the separated conductive liquid into the reactor.
  • Embodiment C3 The method of either Embodiment Cl or C2, further comprising: receiving, from the reactor, the second conductive liquid; cooling, by a heat exchanger, the second conductive liquid; and injecting cooled second conductive liquid into the reactor.
  • references to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

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Abstract

Une décharge haute tension entre deux électrodes générant un plasma est disposée à l'intérieur d'une chambre de réacteur. Un gaz d'hydrocarbure et un liquide conducteur sont passés sur une ou plusieurs électrodes, de telle sorte que le liquide conducteur refroidit les électrodes et évite l'encrassement. Une telle décharge peut conduire à de l'hydrogène gazeux et des coproduits supplémentaires contenant du carbone qui peuvent être utilisés, libérés ou séquestrés.
PCT/US2023/017074 2022-04-14 2023-03-31 Plasma pour hydrocarbure gazeux et liquides conducteurs pour la synthèse et la transformation de matériau et de produit chimique WO2023200609A1 (fr)

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WO2000031004A1 (fr) * 1998-11-25 2000-06-02 The Texas A & M University System Procede de transformation de gaz naturel en hydrocarbures liquides
KR20020024572A (ko) * 2001-12-24 2002-03-30 환경플라즈마(주) 평판형 다층 저온 플라즈마 반응기를 이용한 유해가스처리시스템
AU2007333538B2 (en) * 2006-12-11 2012-06-21 Raymond L. Ridge Method and apparatus for recovering oil from oil shale without environmental impacts
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WO2000031004A1 (fr) * 1998-11-25 2000-06-02 The Texas A & M University System Procede de transformation de gaz naturel en hydrocarbures liquides
KR20020024572A (ko) * 2001-12-24 2002-03-30 환경플라즈마(주) 평판형 다층 저온 플라즈마 반응기를 이용한 유해가스처리시스템
AU2007333538B2 (en) * 2006-12-11 2012-06-21 Raymond L. Ridge Method and apparatus for recovering oil from oil shale without environmental impacts
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